 |
|
Joseph of Arimathea
First mention: Matthew 27:57
Final mention: John 19:38
Meaning of his name: "Increaser, may God add"
Frequency of his name: Referred to five times
Biblical books mentioning him: Four books (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John)
Occupation: Wealthy businessman
Important fact about his life: He obtained the lifeless body of Jesus from the cross and placed it in his personal tomb.
Copyright 1999, used by permission from Dr. H.L. Willmington.
Joseph of Arimathea was a good and just man and a member of the Council, (probably the Sanhedrin), who had not consented to their decision and action to have Jesus crucified.
Arimathea was a city about 20 miles north-west of Jerusalem on the border between Judea and Samaria.
He was a secret disciple of Jesus (John 19:38) because he feared the Jews. However, when Jesus was crucified, he went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Pilate granted his request having learned from the centurion who had charge of the execution that Jesus was actually dead.
Joseph took the body, wrapped it in linen and along with Nicodemus (John 19:39) prepared it for burial and placed it in a new tomb belonging to himself.
He and Nicodemus did this at great risk to themselves but they cared enough about Jesus to give Him a proper burial. (D. Guthrie and J. A. Motyer eds. The New Bible Commentary: Revised. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1970, 9243.) (Unger, Merrill F. Unger's Bible Dictionary, Moody Press, Chicago, 1957, 608) (Life Application Bible, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Wheaton, Illinois, and Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1861.)
